Students honored at convocation

Sunday

PANAMA CITY — Dr. Suess knew what he was talking about when he wrote “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

PANAMA CITY — Dr. Suess knew what he was talking about when he wrote “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

“You’re off to great places, today is your day,” said Nicole Barefield, keynote speaker, in closing of the Florida State University Panama City convocation. “Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”

Graduates of FSU PC celebrated the completion for 29 students’ educational journey at the annual fall convocation ceremony Sunday. Fall and Summer 2012 graduates were celebrated for their achievements. In the St. Joe Community Foundation Lecture Hall of the FSU PC Holley Academic Center spirits were high, but getting to that apex did not come without a struggle.

“The toughest thing was probably all the outside factors,” said Christine Fiacco, Master’s in science and elementary education graduate. “I had two full-time jobs to be able afford groceries and rent, but it was fully worth it.”

Other students cited extracurricular activities as the most rewarding but strenuous part of their college career.

“The most difficult thing was finding a balance of school, work and community particaipation,” said Jason Vogel, who now has a bachelors in professional communication. “Then there is maintaining relationships and a social life.”

“I drove three days a week from Graceville to Panama City,” said Jessica Garcia, who now has a Master’s in corporation and public communication. “But your dedication defines you.”

FSU Panama City Dean Ken Shaw presided over the ceremony while Barefield, publisher of the Washington County News and Holmes County Times-Advertiser and FSU Panama City 2007 Notable ‘Nole, appeared as the keynote speaker. Barefield also currently serves as president of the FSU Panama City Development Board.

“You all have worked hard to get here – sacrificed time, family, friends and doing things more enjoyable,” Barefield said addressing the attendees. “ … While you’ve earned your degree, your path has just begun and your journey is not done.”

FSU PC began in 1982 when the Florida Legislative Board of Regents established the campus. In 1983 the groundbreaking was celebrated at the current campus location. Around 6,000 people have graduated from the campus to date, according to Shaw. But by 2016, enrollment is anticipated to exceed 2,000 students.

“I anticipate it is going to get bigger,” Shaw said of the convocation ceremony. “Over the past four years [enrollment] has gone from 980 to now over 1,400 students. So this will continue to be a big event.”

FSU PC holds a convocation in the Winter and a graduation ceremony in May. A reception was provided by the FSU PC Student Government Council following the ceremony for the graduates and their guests.

“We just want to wish them well as they go out and obtain jobs and make a difference in the world,” Shaw said.

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